US airlines will report their first profit since 2000 for 2006 and some analysts also expect strong profits in 2007, according to the US Air Transport Association (ATA), which represents leading US passenger airlines.

However, analysts also note that potential mergers could increase costs for the industry and hurt earnings. ATA expects carriers to earn 2006 profits of between $2bn and $3bn. additionally, industry forecasts predict that the number of people who travel will increase in 2007.
Meanwhile, ATA has been reminding passengers of the new and more restrictive travel document policies that are set to take effect in the US from January 23 this month where all travellers entering or re-entering the US by air from any part of the western hemisphere will require passports.
From the aforementioned date this will include all US citizens returning to the US by air from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean and Bermuda.